Tuesday, January 10, 2012

After spending the last couple of years restoring a few Pre Unit Triumphs, it was time to change things up and get stuck into a Unit 650. Next up on the bench was this now completed 1967 Trophy Special TR6C.

Purchased last year and restored this year over the course of 5 months. The highlight of this restoration was the fact that I was able to score an original new old stock Petrol Tank. This to me was very exciting as I try to build my bikes as close to factory specs as possible and with this tank being painted by some chap in a shirt and tie and pipe in his mouth at the Triumph factory in 1966 was ideal for my quest for originality.

Finished in Mist Green over White and lined in gold. A very hard color to duplicate, seen many of these bikes restored but not many with the correct shade of green. Also the way the gold lining meets the front and rear ends of the Tank Badges is interesting as is the separating line under the knee pad rubbers being so low. Restorers take note!

For 1967 Triumph used Cylinder Head bolts with the manufacturers initials on the heads. This detail can be seen in the photo below. Cylinder Head and Rocker Box finishes are close to original. Not blasted with a dull matt finish.

Seat hinged open reveals the original refinished seat pan which was used along with a new foam and original seat cover.

External Fork Springs with internal damper rods. The damper rods were fitted as standard to 1966 and 1967 Competition machines.

Earlier this year whilst at the Davenport Swapmeet in Iowa I was able to score an original Made in England 3.50-19 Dunlop Trials Universal Tire. Extremely hard to find.

Rear Tire is the currently available Dunlop 803. Tail Lamp as with all other Electical items are genuine Lucas.

Correct E.T. Coils can be seen under the tank as well as the Electric Horn. Correct clips retain wiring and cables.

Many new old stock parts were used including the Handlebars.

Stainless Steel Fenders front and rear. The rear Fender still with all the wiring retaining clips (not found on reproduction types).

Riders view, Handlebar features the Kill button on the right and the Horn button on the left. Many US dealers installed the switch on the left side.

I opted to go with an original seat cover, the reproductions available today are not my cup of tea. This cover is in excellent condition with the logo still present, the safety strap was restored also.

Skid Plate fitted as standard to the "C" Models. Good shot of the Crankcase finish. These cases have not been blasted.

Energy Tranfer AC Ignition system does not require a Battery, here is the empty compartment where the Battery sits on the Street models. Old stock Lucas Harness can be seen as well as correct Breather Tube routing as well as Chain Oiler Tube. Waterslide decals also present on the Oil Tank.

Rebuilt Smiths Speedometer is run by a new Rear wheel Drive Gearbox and Smiths cable. Headlamp houses the Light Switch, Dip Switch and Warning Light

This shot of the front wheel captures the many finishes on the machine including polished aluminium, chrome plating, cadmium plating, powder coating and stainless steel. Both Wheels were built with new Bearings and Brake Shoes.

Steering damper anchor assembly can be seen from this shot. Steering Head Bearings were renewed.

New Old Stock Exhaust Pipes were fitted (also at great expense). The pipes that came on it when I purchased it were from a 1969 model. After buying a set of pattern pipes that had a more than awful fit I found this old stock set. Night and day, what a great fit. Also check out the welds that were ground and smoothed originally.

Much has been said about the '67 TR6 being an excellent engine. After engine number DU59320 the Amal Monobloc was replaced by the new Concentric type. A new one can be found here. Easy starting, excellent idle and easy to tune.

Engine was treated to a complete overhaul with all new English made Bearings and Seals. Rowe Black Diamond Valves and Guides were installed in the Head. Built to stock specifications. Standard compression with .020 Pistons.

Crankshaft Sludge Trap was cleaned, this one was half full.

Clutch and Transmission parts laid out prior to assembly, lots of new stuff here including the English Made Chainwheel and Renolds Chain.

All new Bearings, Springs and Seals in the Gearbox.

The bike just has 5 test miles, these were performed with no issues, everything doing what it says it does on the tin. Many hours of work and money invested in this project and I am very pleased and proud of how it came out. As close to a new bike in 1967 as they come!